New Lenox Fire Protection District News Articleshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/rss
News articles published on nlfire.comen-usTue, 14 Aug 2018 17:35:33 GMTStay Safe This Fourth of July with Firework Safety Tips from the New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=22
22New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictFri, 29 Jun 2018 15:23:11 EST
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Summertime is here and the Fourth of July is less than a week away. Block parties, summer cook-outs and other outdoor fun is on tap for the upcoming holiday. However, more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year in the United States. Nearly half of those fires are caused by fireworks.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, every year around 10,500 Americans are injured by fireworks. The majority of the injuries (67%) occur between June 22 and July 22. Most of the injuries involve the hands and fingers (31%), 14% involve the eyes, another 22% involve the head/face/ears, and almost 54% of the wounds are burns.

Many people believe that items like sparklers and bottle rockets are safe, but in reality these, along with other Class C fireworks, Roman candles, and fountains, can account for two-thirds of fireworks injuries. These are illegal in many states. Illegal fireworks account for about 29% of fireworks injuries. Currently, the state of Illinois only allows sparklers and other novelties fireworks.

“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display that is put on by trained professionals,” said New Lenox Fire Protection District’s Fire Chief Adam Riegel. “New Lenox puts on a great show every year for residents and those passing through town. There are also many other area towns that provide the same thing throughout the weekend.”

There are several things to consider to help make sure you and your family and friends can enjoy the holiday and fireworks:• Don’t assume you know how to use the fireworks. Read the directions and warning labels. If they do not have any, do not use them.• Consider your pets when planning to shoot off fireworks. If you have a pet that may chase a fast moving target, or a pet that will be frightened, put them in the house to keep safe until the display is over.• Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket.• Don’t drink alcohol and light fireworks.• Don’t let children light fireworks unless under supervision. Boys between the ages of 10-14 are injured more than any other age and gender group. In general, 40% of people injured by fireworks are under the age of 14.• Don’t light fireworks indoors.• Don’t light fireworks on or near dry grass.• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.• Don’t’ throw fireworks at people.• Don’t wear clothes that are loose fitting.• Fireworks should be kept in a cool, dry place.• Sparklers are not a safe for children to play with. They can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. (That is hotter than what it takes to melt glass and aluminum.) If used, children must be under adult supervision.• Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher handy.• Only light one firework at a time and move several feet away from it after it is lit.• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.• Only use legal fireworks.• Purchase fireworks from a reliable dealer.• Wear safety goggles when lighting fireworks.• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.• Do not try to relight a firework if it does not go off. Douse it with water and dispose of it.• After the firework display, never allow children to pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.

]]>New Lenox Fire Protection District Dispatched to Structure FireIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=21
21New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictWed, 20 Jun 2018 12:41:24 EST
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Tuesday afternoon, at approximately 2:15 p.m., the New Lenox Fire Protection District was dispatched to the 2900 block of Doxbury Court for a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews determined that a fire had occurred and the exterior rear of the structure had been on fire. Prior to our arrival, an off-duty firefighter had spotted the smoke and extinguished the fire with the residents’ garden hose.
The NLFPD checked the home for any remaining fire and cleared smoke from the residence.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the NLFPD and the New Lenox Police Department.
New Lenox Fire Protection District Extinguishes Home FireIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=20
20New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictTue, 12 Jun 2018 15:51:05 EST
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Just before 8 p.m. Saturday evening, June 9th, the New Lenox Fire Protection District received a call for a structure fire on the 100 block of E. Second Street. The Battalion Chief was the first to arrive on the scene and saw light smoke pushing from the eaves. Once the firefighters entered the home, they found a fire in the kitchen area. The crews were able to put the fire out within 10-15 minutes. The firefighters also located and extinguished several small hidden fires on the second floor.
No one was injured during the incident. The homeowner was out of town when the fire occurred.
Frankfort Fire Protection District provided mutual aide at the scene. Lockport, Northwest Homer, Peotone, and Minooka Fire Protection Districts sent apparatus to assist with district with any other incoming calls for service during the time of the structure fire.
The NLFPD, New Lenox Police Department, MABAS 19 investigators, and the State Fire Marshal were on the scene investigating the fire until 2 a.m. According to the State Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation.
New Lenox Fire Protection District Ambulance Involved in Accident Incident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=19
19New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictThu, 07 Jun 2018 16:30:55 EST
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This morning at 11:51 a.m., one of the New Lenox Fire Protection District’s ambulances was in an accident involving three vehicles on Route 30 and Nelson Road while they were returning from training. One person was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No firefighters were injured in the accident.Front Line Vehicle AgeDepartment Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=18
18New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictMon, 04 Jun 2018 16:42:57 EST
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The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing front line engines every 15 years and trucks every 20 years. Many of our vehicles are approaching or over the recommended serviceable life. In addition to the age of the vehicle, many of our apparatus are also becoming high on mileage; for example, engines 63 and 64 both have over 120,000 miles. If and when a referendum were to pass, some of the revenue would be used to catch up with and maintain our vehicle replacement plan.
]]>New Lenox Fire Protection District Responds to Residential Structure FireIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=17
17New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictSun, 27 May 2018 22:00:07 EST
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Last night just before 9 p.m., the New Lenox Fire Protection District received a call for a structure fire on LaJunta Court. While in route to the call, the firefighters received information that there were flames through the roof. Once the NLFPD arrived on scene, they were able to confirm the report and made sure everyone and the family dog were safely out of the home.

According to NLFPD Battalion Chief Chris Ward, “The fire was quickly extinguished, minimizing the damage to the garage, with no extension into the home.”

Assisting the NLFPD with the fire were Mokena, Frankfort, Manhattan and Orland Fire Protection Districts. Other area fire districts were brought in to cover any additional calls for service the NLFPD received during the fire.

No one was injured during the fire. The cause is currently under investigation.

]]>Stay Safe This Memorial Day Weekend with Grilling Tips from the New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictDepartment Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=16
16New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictFri, 25 May 2018 15:59:00 EST
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The smell of burgers and brats will soon fill the air this Memorial Day weekend, but don’t let the sizzle get out of control.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2011-2015 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 9,600 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or other barbecues per year. These fires included ten deaths, 160 reported injuries, and $1233 million in direct property damage. Five of every six grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 14% used charcoal or other solid fuel. In 2016, around 16,600 patients went to an emergency room because of injuries involving grills. Almost half of the injuries were thermal burns.

The New Lenox Fire Protection District wants to make sure you fire up your grill, not your house, this weekend with these grilling safety tips:• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. From 2012 to 2016, Children under five accounted for 35% of all contact-type burns. • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. In roughly one of every five fires, the grill had not been cleaned.• Never leave your grill unattended.• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Almost one-third of gas grill injuries were burns incurred while lighting the grill.

Charcoal Grill Tips:• Cap lighter fluid immediately and place a safe distance from grill.• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.• Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other highly volatile fluids as a starter. They can explode.• Unplug or remove a hot starter with caution and be careful where you put it. Always cool starter completely before storing.• Never use an electric fire starter in the rain and/or when standing on wet ground.• When using instant light briquettes, do not use lighter fluid, electric, solid, or metal chimney-style starters. Do not add more instant light briquettes once the fire has been lit. Add only regular charcoal briquettes if more are needed.• Once the grill is lit, do not touch briquettes or wood chunks to see if they are hot. Keep grill uncovered until ready to cook.• Keep vents open while cooking. Charcoal briquettes and wood chunks need oxygen to burn.• When you are finished grilling, let the coals burn out completely and let ashes cool at least 48 hours before disposing. Dispose the ashes by wrapping in heavy-duty aluminum foil and placing in non-combustible container. Be sure no other combustible materials are nearby.• Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers, even if properly ventilated. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachi grills used inside.• Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

Propane Grill Tips:• Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks, Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.• Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.• Check for gas leaks using the manufacturer’s instructions if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don’t attempt to light the grill until it is fixed. • Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.• Never use the grill indoors. Keep the grill a minimum of 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not the grill in a garage, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. • Use caution when storing gas containers; transport them in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk.

The primary mission of the New Lenox Fire and Ambulance Protection District is to provide a range of programs designed to protect the lives and property within New Lenox Village and Township from the effects for fires and sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by man or nature with professional, compassionate, and quality service.

]]>New Lenox Fire Protection District Responds to Apartment FireIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=15
15New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictFri, 06 Apr 2018 14:23:02 EST
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This afternoon at 5:09 p.m. the New Lenox Fire Protection District received a call for a structure fire on Hickory Street near Vine Street. Once the NLFPD arrived on scene there was heavy fire which could be seen coming from the back side of the building and the structure fire was quickly upgraded to a full-still.
According to NLFPD Fire Chief Adam Riegel, the fire at the four unit apartment building was under control within 10 minutes and was contained to one unit.
One person was transported to a local hospital.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
New Lenox Fire Protection District Responds to Residential Structure FireIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=14
14New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictTue, 03 Apr 2018 16:40:32 EST
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This morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. the New Lenox Fire Protection District received a call for a structure fire in the 2200 block of Sanford Avenue. Upon arrival, there was heavy fire showing from the front of the trilevel home.

Two patients were treated at the scene for burns and smoke inhalation and transported to a local hospital. The home sustained extreme damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Several area fire districts assisted with the fire and with additional emergency calls including: Frankfort, Mokena, East Joliet, Manhattan, Homer, Northwest Homer, Orland, Lockport, and Elwood.

]]>New Lenox Fire Protection District Votes to Secure Tax Anticipation Warrant; Cut Personnel, Close Station, and Reduce Programs and Services to save fundingIncident Newshttp://www.nlfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=13
13New Lenox Fire Protection DistrictWed, 28 Mar 2018 15:42:55 EST
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On March 19th, the New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees voted to secure a $750,000 Tax Anticipation Warrant to cover the district’s budget deficit. This extra funding will fill the gap between when the district runs out of funds in April and when the next tax revenues are received in June.

Due to the lack of revenue with no sources for new funding, the NLFPD had to make some difficult decisions to keep the district running at a lower cost. To do this, residents will be seeing cuts over the next week to facilities, personnel, and services.

“It is a sad day for our growing community,” stated Deputy Chief Dan Turner. “We are in a time where we should be adding to our staffing due to increasing call volume, but instead we have to do the opposite and make cuts to meet our bottom line. These cuts will impact our community, as decreased personnel and the closing of a station will increase response times, which are vital for both EMS and fire incidents.”

On Friday, March 30th, Station 2, at 1205 N. Cedar Road will be closing its doors until further notice due to a reduction in firefighter/paramedic positions. The district will be cutting 4 positions per shift, which includes both part-time and full-time personnel. Earlier this year, cuts also took place in administration after one employee left, leaving an open position which will not be filled. Other programs that involve using shift personnel and apparatus for long periods of time will also be reduced or eliminated.

“Our residents deserve the best possible service we can provide,” said Turner. “These decisions were made with heavy hearts, and the task of finding ways to cut the expenses was not taken lightly.”

The NLFPD has tried to pass referendums to increase the tax rate five times over the past 12 years (2006, 2009, 2011, 2014, and March 2018), knowing this day would eventually come. During this time, the district has cut back on spending and was able to tighten their belts to keep the current situation at bay, but the district can no longer afford to operate at less than half of the budgets of neighboring towns, while giving the same services.

“The residents voted, and without having an end in sight, we had to make the best decisions for our bottom line, and unfortunately, this was our only option,” stated Turner. “If the NLFPD does not pass a referendum soon to increase our funding, further cuts will happen. Without any additional funding coming our way we will need to keep borrowing money from future taxes and eventually we would owe more than we bring in.”